NFL players who never really lived up to the hype, but still had solid careers?

I'm thinking Dan "Big Daddy" Wilkinson. Didn't live up to the hype of being the top pick in 1994, but still churned out a long, solid career. Real workmanlike.

Who u guys got?

Posterize246

07-20-2010 07:10 PM

Re: NFL players who never really lived up to the hype, but still had solid careers?

This is borderline...but maybe Desmond Howard? Heisman winner, 4th overall pick, sucked as a receiver but became a return man and the only special teams player to ever win Super Bowl MVP?

MK2V1GP

07-20-2010 07:10 PM

Re: NFL players who never really lived up to the hype, but still had solid careers?

Kind of a hard topic. Maybe Russell Maryland? Number 1 overall pick, but maybe never lived up to the hype of a no. 1 overall pick.

Posterize246

07-20-2010 07:17 PM

Re: NFL players who never really lived up to the hype, but still had solid careers?

If his career can't get back to what it was pre-injury then Carson Palmer would fit the topic.

Jackass18

07-20-2010 07:55 PM

Re: NFL players who never really lived up to the hype, but still had solid careers?

Keyshawn

knickballer

07-20-2010 08:22 PM

Re: NFL players who never really lived up to the hype, but still had solid careers?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jackass18

Keyshawn

That's a decent one. Next one will be Reggie Bush.

Drew Bledsoe and Justin Smith are others that come to mind.

Posterize246

07-20-2010 08:28 PM

Re: NFL players who never really lived up to the hype, but still had solid careers?

Reggie was viewed by many as a change of pace back/returner though. I don't remember any predicting him as a 300+ carry back or anything. Some even thought he should've made the switch to receiver. This thread is kind of difficult for me though since I don't really remember how guys were talked up draft wise pre-2000.

knickballer

07-20-2010 08:45 PM

Re: NFL players who never really lived up to the hype, but still had solid careers?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Posterize246

Reggie was viewed by many as a change of pace back/returner though. I don't remember any predicting him as a 300+ carry back or anything. Some even thought he should've made the switch to receiver. This thread is kind of difficult for me though since I don't really remember how guys were talked up draft wise pre-2000.

Reggie Bush was the 2nd overall pick, he was considered the consensus 1st overall pick as well. He was being compared to Faulk, Sanders, etc.. Everyone thought he was going to be great. One of the most hyped prospects ever probably.

MK2V1GP

07-20-2010 09:46 PM

Re: NFL players who never really lived up to the hype, but still had solid careers?

Quote:

Originally Posted by knickballer

Reggie Bush was the 2nd overall pick, he was considered the consensus 1st overall pick as well. He was being compared to Faulk, Sanders, etc.. Everyone thought he was going to be great. One of the most hyped prospects ever probably.

I agree here with knickballer.

Many considered Bush to be the next great thing -- the new era of football b/c of his style and game. Many had way too high of expectations for Bush. He was unbelievable in college and many expected him to bring that to the NFL.

I remember EVERYONE had him going no. 1 overall to the Texans, then when Houston and Mario Williams agreed on a deal before the draft even began, it was crazy how muc jcrap the Texans took first for passing on Bush (and VY) in favor of Williams.

If you consider the amount of hype Reggie Bush received coming out of college, then you could say he belongs in the discussion here. It's amazing how quickly everyone accepted the fact that he's just a glorified returner and receiving back. The most rushing yards he's ever had in one season was 581 (on a 3.7 ypc avg)

-playmaker-

07-20-2010 09:54 PM

Re: NFL players who never really lived up to the hype, but still had solid careers?

I can remember people comparing Reggie Bush to Barry Sanders...

I have the perfect player for this thread...Roy E. Williams

he has had a solid career and in 2006 he was even a top 5 WR in the NFL...

last year he still had 7 TDs...it isn't like he sucks...

he just isn't the beast #1 WR everyone thought he would be...

Posterize246

07-20-2010 09:55 PM

Re: NFL players who never really lived up to the hype, but still had solid careers?

You're right, I guess I'm getting him confused with what my own opinions were.

pete's montreux

07-20-2010 10:13 PM

Re: NFL players who never really lived up to the hype, but still had solid careers?

Entered the thread with Carson Palmer in mind. Man, he had that one MVP type season and It's been a free-fall since then. I'm pulling for the guy.

knickballer

07-20-2010 11:30 PM

Re: NFL players who never really lived up to the hype, but still had solid careers?

Quote:

Originally Posted by -playmaker-

I can remember people comparing Reggie Bush to Barry Sanders...

I have the perfect player for this thread...Roy E. Williams

he has had a solid career and in 2006 he was even a top 5 WR in the NFL...

last year he still had 7 TDs...it isn't like he sucks...

he just isn't the beast #1 WR everyone thought he would be...

Please man, Last season he sucked balls.. Dropping balls, choking away his career basically, being incredibly average. Although his career he has been good but nothing like his hype. He always averaged around 800-900yards ish, good not great.

Jailblazers7

07-20-2010 11:35 PM

Re: NFL players who never really lived up to the hype, but still had solid careers?

I remember everyone and their grandmother comparing Reggie Bush to Gale Sayers leading up to the draft.

-playmaker-

07-21-2010 01:08 AM

Re: NFL players who never really lived up to the hype, but still had solid careers?

Quote:

Originally Posted by knickballer

Please man, Last season he sucked balls.. Dropping balls, choking away his career basically, being incredibly average. Although his career he has been good but nothing like his hype. He always averaged around 800-900yards ish, good not great.